Bush remarks focus on border security

"Our nation is also fighting a war on terror, and terrorists crossing the border could create destruction on a massive scale," Bush said. "The responsibility of government is clear: We must enforce the border."

Bush, who spoke at a naturalization ceremony for 30 immigrants from around the world, pointed to increases in funding for border security and other steps taken to combat illegal immigration since he took office.

He asserted that his temporary worker program would "dramatically" reduce the flow of illegal workers across the border, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on criminals and terrorists.

"The program would also improve security by creating tamper-proof identification cards that would allow us to keep track of every temporary worker who is here on a legal basis and help us identify those who are here illegally," Bush said.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan on Monday declined to rule out Bush accepting a more limited bill that would focus on border security without the temporary worker program. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Bush is pressing for "comprehensive" legislation.